How To Block An Unwanted Caller

Nobody likes to receive annoying messages and contacts from someone they do not know, whether they are a telemarketer or a complete stranger. If you have ever received and incoming message or contact from a source you do not recognized, then you understand the frustration. There several ways to block phone dials that you do not want to receive. They range from fairly simple to more complex. In addition, each method's effectiveness depends on the type of dials in question. Whatever your specific situation, you should be able to find at least a handful of useful strategies for cutting down on nuisance attempts at contact made to your number on the following list.

Tip #1: Place your number(s) on the National Do Not Call Registry. If the types of calls you are receiving are mainly from unsolicited telemarketers, adding your number to this government registry may be the single most effective way to dramatically reduce your frustration. Please note that this will not prevent your friendly neighborhood debt collector, political pollster, and charitable beggar from continuing to ring you up whenever they please. Still, it's easy, free, and lasts for five years. Here's how to do it:

1. Register your number(s) online quickly and easily at: https://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx
2. Via telephone (from the number you wish to be registered):
   1-888-382-1222
   1-866-290-4236 TTY

Tip #2: Guard your telephone number as if its secrecy were the only key to happiness you will ever have. This may strike some as obvious, but the number of unwanted and downright harassing calls people receive is enormous enough to warrant its repetition. The more you hand out your number the greater the amount of unwanted solicits you will receive. By keeping your telephone information private and only handing it out to close friends and contacts, you can limit the amount of annoying contacts you receive from unknown and unwanted sources.

Tip #3: Take advantage of Caller ID technology. Although a basic Caller ID will not allow you to prevent unwanted contacts it will at least allow you to identify them. This way you have the option of screening your dials and, in some cases, of finding out more information on the caller e.g. phone number, name, etc.

Tip #4: Purchase an Inbound Call Blocker. With this type of device attached to your phone you will be able to take a greater and more active role in managing the people who can actually contact you. The device will allow you to set a security code that a caller must dial when attempting to phone you. If the code is not entered the dial will not be routed through.

Tip #5: Look into signing up for a service most phone carriers refer to as Call Screening. With this type of service you can program specific numbers that you want prevented from calling you. Some of these services also allow you to add a number that called you last even if the number is unknown. When a number that is on your screened list tries to contact you they will be automatically redirected to a generic message that informs them that you are not accepting contacts or messages from their number.

Your telephone service provider may also offer similar services aimed at helping you manage your privacy by preventing unwanted contacts. Take advantage of their desire to sell you add on services to learn everything you can about what's available. By gathering as much information on the options currently on the market you'll be able to keep abreast of any new weapons that you can add to your unwanted number blocking arsenal!